Excavations of the early palaeolithic site Mukhkai II in 2008-2009

The early Pleistocene Palaeolithic site Mukhkai II was excavated in the limited area. Rich collections of stone artefacts were obtained. Analytical investigations included pollen, magnitometrical, lithological, phitolitic studies. The lithic industry is characterized by pronounced structure of inventory; categorical, typological and functional diversity of tools; core - tool consecutive technological chain; predominance of tools on pieces over tools on flakes; domination of choppers over other categories; presence of small tools; absence of handaxes. The characteristic is typical of the classic Oldovan period. Recent investigations of early Palaeolithic in the North Caucasus evidence existence pre-Acheulian sites. The results of many-sided analytical studies prove the sites' early Pleistocene age. The obtained data are helpful for solution of problem of initial human settling in South-Eastern Europe at primary stages of the Palaeolithic 1.5 mln years ago and confirm the concept of the Caspian road in this process.